Henry Fired Up

In a veritable monsoon, playing against the team that ended the Red Bulls postseason last year, and wincing at the pain in his Achilles tendon, Thierry Henry finally put the ball in the net. He was dangerous all game long, involved in more than half a dozen good chances. It is clear that Henry and the diminutive English striker Luke Rodgers have some chemistry, Henry picked up his first assist on Rodgers' second goal and Rodgers picked up an assist on his great cross into the box that found Henry's head and the back of the net.

After scoring his goal it was clear that Henry had a message to give to the fans, especially the South Ward. That message was very clear when he beat his chest and pointed to the name on the back of his shirt. "I am still Thierry Henry."

Supposedly the crowd was jeering him after he went down and grabbed his Achilles tendon after an offsides call. (Source: NYDN)

...the crowd was chanting "au revior" and "you're going home in a Jersey ambulance" as Henry lay on the pitch after aggravating his Achilles injury.

Supposedly Henry hurled f-bombs at the crowd after his goal. It is pretty clear that the French Designated Player is fired up and recognizes the needs to perform for New York/New Jersey fans. I am glad to see some emotion from him, some fire in his eyes, to see that he cares and isn't just a tourist. There is little doubt that he was dynamic and a force to reckon with against San Jose. We can only hope to see it again against D.C. and for the rest of the season.

One person that came to Henry's defense was Luke Rodgers who had this to say about the fans jeering him:

"That kind of stuff, I can’t believe it,’’ marveled Luke Rodgers, who scored off an Henry assist, then set up the Frenchman’s headed goal with a cross. "He’s one of the best players in the league. Yeah, he’s got a problem with his Achilles, but Thierry’s our main man; we need him to play. Everyone in the team knows that, and the fans should realize that as well. You need a player like that to be happy.’’

(Source: NY Post)

A Few Notes:

Henry hasn't been fouled in 7 games, over 628 minutes. (@AdeHealey)

Despite a short week of rest, Henry looks as if he is good to go against D.C. Joel Lindpere also looks like he will be good to go against our rivals. ( NYRB official)